There is a LOT of different styles of wedding photography out there. You’ve probably seen a lot of them yourself! Every wedding photographer has a different approach and process that's going to affect your experience and the end product.
Fun Fact: I originally went to film school to become a Cinematographer for movies before I discovered the creative freedom photography gave me! The way I do things differs because I don’t show up at your wedding with a shot list. I was trained to focus on emotion and storytelling through creative light and composition. I don’t want to take the same photos at your wedding as I would at every other wedding I shoot. Your relationship is unique and your wedding photos should be unique too!
Today let’s talk about the 3 main styles of photography you will find when looking for a wedding photographer.
#1: Natural Light Photographer
Natural Light photography can produce beautiful soft photos in the right conditions, but struggle in low light most common during receptions on the dancefloor like the first dance. Natural light photography would be better suited for an early outdoor reception. In summary Natural light photography is more about the way the photo is captured with the camera rather than the story the photographer is trying to tell.
As much as I love using my flash and getting creative, you can’t deny that sometimes natural light is the best choice.
#2: Commercial Wedding Photography
Highly styled photos where every detail of the day will be staged to create beautiful images, however it does require a larger block of time to capture portraits and the most interaction with you and the photographer on your wedding day. Sometimes upwards of 2-3 hours. In summary with Commercial Wedding Photography, most shots are arranged or posed with very few candids to maximize image quality over everything else.
The multi light set up took some preparation while the couple were inside dancing during their reception
#3: Documentary Wedding Photography
This typically means the day will be captured mostly as it happened in front of the camera in the effort to tell the story of your wedding day. The emphasis of the photography will be artistic composition and lighting. Documentary photography is mostly candid and lets you spend more time AT your wedding instead of ON your wedding. In summary, Documentary Wedding Photography requires the least interaction with the photographer as they try to capture the most natural beauty.
Documentary photography is trying to anticipate the action and create beautiful images with the availible surroundings.
My process: Well through my training in film and tv shows my style of wedding photography is 80% Documentary 20% Commercial. I know that family and friends may have traveled long distances to be at your wedding and you want to spend time with them and celebrate. So I love the documentary approach to capture the genuine interactions you have with each other and your guests. At the same time, I love creating beautiful pieces of art that require a bit more time and effort to put together. I know you and your parents will want a beautifully framed photo of you two and the whole family. When it comes to portraits of you two my love of both styles really shines. Instead of posing you two in awkward positions I give you two prompts and games to create genuine and meaningful interactions.
When you work with me, you work with just me. No assistant answering my emails, no staff to hand you off to, no associate photographers, no shot lists. You’ve put your trust in me so I take care of you 100% of the way! I’ll offer my advice and expertise freely and use my creativity to tailor photos you wouldn’t even think possible. I’m not just a photographer, I’m a resource for you throughout your wedding journey!
See More: Complete Wedding Planning Guide!
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